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LIFE-COLORS 



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LIFE- COLORS 



BY 



■""^^^l ADELINE HINCKLEY 




NEW YORK 
THE NEALE PUBLISHING COMPANY 

1914 



T^3 

X7- 



Copyright, 1914, by 
THE NEALE PUBLISHING COMPANY 



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SEP 30 1914 



:!,A380597 



LIFE-COLORS 

Our lives are like the paintings made 
By artist hands. We have the choice 

Of colors fair, and those that fade 
We know at first by common voice. 

But oft we trial make, and then 

The truth is shown to men again. 

We choose the blue of truth and find 

Its strengthening power. But when we look 

For grace in life, we needs must wind 
The green of hope around. The nook. 

In springtime's green, gives promise sure 

Of life immortal, true, and pure. 

Ofttimes the Master Artist gives 
The shape and color too. He knows 

In dullest shades rare beauty lives; 
That symmetry of line oft goes 

With shadows cast upon the earth; 

That saddest lives to grace give birth. 

To some He gives the red and gold 
Of life that they may be a rest 
5 



6 LIFE-COLORS 



To weary eyes. True love they hold 

As gift of God, and do their best 
To share its glow. As God is love, 
So they resemble Him above. 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Life-Colors 5 

Life-Colors 

The War of Forces n 

Thought Force 13 

Companionship I4 

God's School 15 

The Message 17 

A Prayer 19 

Immanuel 20 

Garments 22 

On the Heights 24 

The Star 26 

Wall Building 28 

The Commonplace 3° 

The World a Bridge 32 

Our Helmsman 34 

The Daily Rub of Circumstance 35 

Success 36 

Hewn-Out Cisterns 3^ 

Two Types 4° 

The Current 41 

The Inner Calm 42 

The Increase 43 

Be Thyself 45 

Quatrain 47 



CONTENTS 



Narrative Poems 

Avis 51 

The Great Stone Face 54 

Little All Right Man 56 

The Gift of Wings 58 

A Leader of Men 60 

''Another" 62 

Wayfarers 64 

Brave Spirits 6y 

Sonnets 

The Reward 73 

Rest 74 

The Ranks of Men 75 

The Leader 76 

Birch Rock yy 

After Storm 78 

Voices 79 

The Magic Robe 80 

Nature 

The Evergreens 83 

The Willow 84 

The Elm 86 

The Wind's Frolic 87 

July's Glory 89 

Good Cheer 91 

Arbutus 93 

Song of the Ferns 95 



LIFE-COLORS 



LIFE-COLORS 

THE WAR OF FORCES 

The rocks like strongest bastions stand 
Their watch still keeping close and true. 

Their reddish base is fixed in sand, 
While tops present a grayish hue. 

The waves in serried ranks and files 
Roll in unceasingly. They mock 

At sand, but stay their course at piles 
Of stones and sheer plain face of rock. 

And some retreat in order good 

And spend no shred of strength in vain; 

While others act as if they would 
Tear down the rock and build again. 

The white sea-foam leaps madly up 
And turns in air its somersaults. 

And here it fills a rocky cup, 

And there it forward goes, then halts. 
11 



12 LIFE-COLORS 



The constant fretting of the waves 
Has brought a polish smooth and fine. 

This daily friction surely saves 
From ugliness in curve and line. 

The restless, changing, shifting sea 
Beats at the feet of moveless rocks; 

And thus man's life must constant be 
In midst of driving storm that mocks. 



POEMS OF LIFE 13 



THOUGHT FORCE 

"As a man thinkcth in his heart so is he." 

The secret thoughts deep hid within the heart 
Are measure of the man. His hopes mid fears 

Are like the brisking winds that blow and start 
The ship well on its way as helmsman steers. 

Then adverse winds arise and progress slow 
Is made. Yet skilful helmsman still may keep 

His onward way against this powerful foe. 

A change, and now the yachts the waves o'erleap. 

Thus hope buoys up the man and makes him dare 
Success which follows in the wake of work. 

But fear is like a heavy weight of care 

Which bears him down with ills that hidden lurk. 

And thoughts of love will blossom forth as deeds 

Of charity. A heart all full of love 
Will give close heed to all his neighbor's needs 

And share in thought and work of God above. 



14 LIFE-COLORS 



COMPANIONSHIP 

The dear companionship of friends 

Gives life its wonted zest. 
No day can dreary be that sends 
One friend to bless the man who spends 

His strength without a rest. 

But extra joyous is that day, — 

And gone too soon, alas ! — 
In which he meets upon the way 
Himself so strange and bids him stay 

And will not let him pass. 

And priceless are the hours each day 

He spends in intercourse 
With God. Withdrawn from earthly fray, 
He views the straight and narrow way 

And gains in heavenly force. 



POEMS OF LIFE 15 



GOD'S SCHOOL 

When children go to school to learn 
Tlie easy lessons there laid down, 

The mothers stay at home and yearn 
To see them coming through the town. 

The child who works with vim soon finds 
A joy in lessons done, which leads 

Him on to seek from wiser minds 

The helpful thoughts which meet his needs. 

But some soon tire of work and plan 
To con old lessons o'er; no thought 

Have they of added joys which man 
Secures by battles daily fought. 

Thus in the school of life God sets 

New tasks when old are done. He spares 

No man the heavy load, but lets 

Strength grow, as each his burden bears. 

A slothful life and present ease 

Bespeak a future lack of force. 
Then God does not his children tease, 

But drives them to the Living Source. 



16 LIFE-COLORS 



His love has strength to use the rod 
To make man fit to claim his own 

Great heritage. For life with God 
Requires the pure in heart alone. 



POEMS OF LIFE 17 



THE MESSAGE 

Above the shepherds' heads the angel host 

Proclaimed, " Lo, peace on earth, good will to men." 

The angels' song became their joy and boast 
As life resumed the same dull round again. 

And when came news of children slain, the thought 
Of sorrowing mothers filled their hearts with grief. 

The promised good to men was dearly bought 
At price of cruelty beyond belief. 

Most slowly passed the years as day by day 

Their sheep they watched, and fainter grew their hopes 

Of succor for mankind. The angel lay. 

Still clear in mind, with lurking fear now copes. 

The Jordan valley soon was thronged with men, 
When John the Baptist preached repentance fit 

To meet their sins. Within the shepherds' ken 
Came word of prophet old from Holy Writ. 

" Prepare the way. Make smooth the paths that now 
Are rough." And people asked, " What must we do ? " 

The answer came, " Do justice. Teach men how 
To show for other men their love and rue." 



18 LIFE-COLORS 



The shepherds strove to make their lives more true 
And watched their sheep with extra care and love; 

For He, the Chosen One, might come, and few 
Be found whose toil was praise to God above. 

Then Jesus preached throughout the land and wrought 
His wondrous deeds. " A shepherd true am I 

Who gives his life for wandering sheep. Thus sought, 
They turn and feel at rest; for I am nigh." 

And as he taught of love which gave its all 
And spared not life itself, in hearts once hard 

There grew desire to answer Jesus' call 
And live henceforth intent and on their guard 

Against the selfish waste of life. For each 
Fares on and leaves on earth no trace, except 

As deeds and love of his still live and reach 
Fruition. Thus the earth with love is swept. 



POEMS OF LIFE 19 



A PRAYER « 

Dear God and Father of us all, 
Give heed, as on Thy name we call. 

Give quiet, peaceful rest this night, 
And make us strong for daily fight. 

Give hearts at rest from vain desires, 
But all aglow with heavenly fires. 

Give minds intent to see the right. 
And make us pure in thy clear sight. 

Give love that speaks in kindly deeds. 
That clothes the poor, the hungry feeds. 

Give forceful aim and strength of will; 
So all of life with beauty fill. 



LIFE-COLORS 



IMMANUEL 

As fledglings far from nest and mother bird 

Fly round bereft of hope. 

So men with troubles cope. 
But some with fortitude and patience gird 
Themselves, because they know that God above 
Still guides their steps, and plans their way with love. 

Amid the storms and changing, shifting sands 

Of life they know a place 

Where all the weary race 
Of men find rest; a rock in desert lands 
Whose welcome shade gives strength and quietness 
To men who run the race, and know life's stress. 

With eagle wings the young soar forth intent 

To scan the heavens high 

Where promised mansions lie. 
With eager hopes and hearts most confident 
They plan to bring to earth the Golden Age, 
Whose deeds shall glow from every printed page. 

With drooping pinions they return to earth. 
Where out of heart they dwell. 



POEMS OF LIFE gl 



And their sad story tell 
Of blasted hopes. And life seems little worth 
The effort spent to make earth fitting place 
For those who come of Godlike, heavenly race. 

But now, with hopes restored, they fly again 

On strong, sure wings of faith 

Which proves no useless wraith. 
But spirit strong to bear them upward when 
The stormy winds of doubt do blow. They know 
That truth prevails, as future time will show. 



22 LIFE-COLORS 



GARMENTS 

God clothes the fields with flowers fair, 
Which month by month their blossoms show. 
The buttercups and daisies glow 

'Neath June's glad sun with beauty rare. 

And August's heated sun soon calls 

The golden hosts of tansy out. 

Soon goldenrod, in reckless rout, 
Is found close packed beside stone walls. 

God clothes humanity with love. 
Which often comes to sweetest bloom 
In simple lives. It lacks fair room, 

When mind and riches press above. 

Unsightly wounds at times appear 
On nature's face. For men must dig 
Earth's riches out, and so a big. 

Deep gash results on mountain near. 

But verdure covers o'er each blot 
With pressing haste. For ugliness 
Is sin 'gainst God and man, and stress 

Needs be to beautify each plot. 



POEMS OF LIFE 23 

So man receives deep wounds, through loss 
Of friends and fortune gone, and naught 
Assuages grief. Thus sadly caught 

In sorrow's toils he bears his cross. 

But healing love soon does its work, 
And gaping wounds close up. New life. 
New love gives worth to daily strife, 

And thoughts of loss now hidden lurk. 



S4 LIFE-COLORS 



ON THE HEIGHTS 

The mountains in their grandeur seem 
Fit meeting place for God and man. 

On Sinai's slopes mid flashing gleam 
Of lightning, Moses heard the plan 

For Israel, God's chosen men 

Who often sinned, but rose again. 

The Greeks in search of truth and strength 
Through righteousness, oft took their way 

To Delphi; for throughout the length 
Of Greece this oracle held sway. 

On slope of mountain side it stood. 

The advocate of nation's good. 

Apart on mountain high the three 

Went with the Christ. His face became 

Like brightest sun, his garments free 

From stain and white as snow. Why blame 

Disciples for their wish to stay 

Apart from crowds that pressed each day? 

We climb the mountain heights to gain 
Clear views of earth beneath, and see 



POEMS OF LIFE 25 

True values. Hills we climbed with pain 

Become mere gentle slopes. So free 
We feel, we almost float above 
The fields, through our consuming love. 

We have the dreams of youth and gleams 

Of light to make our vision clear. 
And we feel sure the Sun's own beams 

Will light our path. We need not fear 
To press straight on, though dim the way; 
For God gives light for every day. 



26 LIFE-COLORS 



THE STAR 

The sun had set, but still the night 

Had not wrapped the earth in her sable gown. 
The hills stood clear in the golden light 
Which the sun had left behind. On a height, 

Low pines formed groups, through which peeped down 
The crescent moon, though in full fight. 

The lake lay soothed to rest, though trace 
Of the tumult and toil of the day was seen 

In the border of foam, which the wind in its race 

O'er the lake had tossed to the edge. Its face 
Lay smooth in the light, which needs must mean 

That the stirred waves had gained new grace. 

This picture of beauty soothed the heart. 
Yet satisfied not. For winds might rise. 

And clouds would lower, and then what art 
Would suffice? And days of storm seem a part 

Of the mortal life below, where sighs 
And tears display the hidden dart. 

In the East glowed the planet Mars, and brought 
New cheer to the weary heart. It told 



POEMS OF LIFE 27 

Of the star which the Wise Men saw, then sought 

The King of Prophecy. And nought 
But hope could rise in the heart whose gold 

Consists in the faith the Savior taught. 



LIFE-COLORS 



WALL BUILDING 

The Jews at home were in sore straits; 

For foes pressed hard on every side. 

Jerusalem, their crown of pride, 
Had ruined walls and broken gates. 

They sent to distant Babylon, 
To Nehemiah, known to fame 
As king's attendant. When he came, 

He seemed like glory of the sun. 

And while they slept, he viewed the wall. 
Nor lost his courage at the sight. 
He fired their hearts with zeal to right 

The wrong, and answer duty's call. 

He placed them band by band to build 
The wall at spot near home. He called 
The country folk to aid, and walled 

The city in, as he had willed. 

Jerusalem became stronghold 
Against the robber raids. Her foes 
Were put to shame, and her worst woes 

Died out, save as in story told. 



POEMS OF LIFE 29 



Society has need of walls 

To guard her sacred spots. No one 
Can build them up, but all must run 

To share the task, when leader calls. 

The walls of ancient truth may fall, 
But newer walls must stand four square 
To all the winds that blow. We dare 

Not waste our strength, since doubts appal. 

And though it be a citadel 
We care not for, 'tis still our task 
To give our strength to those who ask 

That we help build the walls which fell. 



30 LIFE-COLORS 



THE COMMONPLACE 

A LOVER of life felt his faith grow faint: 

So he sought the hidden cause. 
He found, full soon, his chief complaint 
Lay not in ills that people paint 
In lurid, striking clause. 

Like endless desert land his Hfe 

Stretched out without a spot 
Of color, and even his love for wife 
And child seemed cause of endless strife; 

For it held him to his lot. 

The common things of life now palled 

Upon his taste. He felt 
That constant, ceaseless work had walled 
Him in. Outside, sweet voices called. 

And caused his heart to melt. 

These dulcet tones he must not heed, 

Nor fail to daily tread 
The well-worn path. But pressing need 
Of wider look must make him feed 

His hungry soul and head. 



POEMS OF LIFE 51 

He loved the bounteous earth and all 

Its store of treasured good. 
With mind alert he heard the call 
Of robins neath projecting wall, 

Where crowded close they stood. 

But still his pulse changed not, as when 

This harbinger of spring 
Appeared one cold March day. For then 
That voice brought word to waiting men 

That birds henceforth would sing. 

And once he drank the wine of joy, 

Which filled his frame with wild, 
Exultant bliss. Stern tasks employ 
His loved one now, and oft annoy, 

Though still her face is mild. 

And ca'res he less for robins now 

That hundreds daily sing? 
And loves he less, now marriage vow 
Has made familiar chastened brow. 

And youth has taken wing? 

No, common things of every day 

Are dearest far to all. 
The good lies strewn about our way, 
Like flowers that bloom in sun's warm ray, 

And love of God recall. 



32 LIFE-COLORS 



THE WORLD A BRIDGE 

This world is not our fixed abode, 

But just a bridge which spans the way 

From birth to death; a glorious road 
Which gives a view on clearest day 
Of distant land where we shall stay. 

The fogs of doubt and clouds of sin 
Shut off the view of light divine; 

And midst the traffic and the din 
Of hurrying feet, we often dine 
Without a sup of heavenly wine. 

The ancient bridge o'er Arno's stream 
Still holds its wonted place. Still cling 

Along its sides the shops, which gleam 
With glittering gold and sparkling ring 
Whose praises rival merchants sing. 

We pass these trinkets by, and reach 
The central arch, whence we can see 

Fair views which rouse our souls, and teach 
True values. Thoughts of self here flee 
At sight of river flowing free. 



POEMS OF LIFE 



So hearts that fix their thoughts on gold 
And earth's vain store can never know 

The fairer sights which must unfold 
Before the seeing eye. They go 
With eyes intent on ground below. 

But rich and full is now the life 
Of those who know that solid rock 

Awaits the man whose weary strife 
With shifting sand has seemed to mock 
His powers, and all his progress block. 

Determined spirits know that strength 
Results from faring on. So all 

With eager hearts go on through length 
Of days, and heed each daily call, 
Nor let sore ill, nor wrongs appal. 



34 LIFE-COLORS 



OUR HELMSMAN 

At sea when surging billows dash 
Athwart the steamer's sides, and crash 
Of masts is heard, we place our trust 
In helmsman sure. And though a gust 
Of wind may drive us from our course, 
We feel he has a sure resource. 

Amid the tumult and the strife, 
Which vex our souls each day of life. 
We turn with trust to One who knows 
Our path, and will not let our foes 
Prevail. In Him we have a sure, 
Strong hold, which always will endure. 

This confidence gives strength to fight 
Our foes, and work with all our might. 
With vict'ry sure, we make a dash 
For freedom, heeding not the gash 
That fortune gives, since sure at last 
We reach an end of work so vast. 



POEMS OF LIFE 35 



THE DAILY RUB OF CIRCUMSTANCE 

To guard the desecrated home of kings, 

The massive walls of ancient Tiryns rise. 
Since gateway lacks the dignity of wings, 
The galleries in walls seem chief the things 
That draw the tourist searching for a prize. 

For centuries the sheep have wandered through 

The narrow passage 'twixt the walls and sought 
Relief from outer heat. 'Twas here they flew 
When false alarm gave rise to noisy hue; 
Here bruised their sides against the stones for naught. 

As decades grew to centuries, the rock 

Grew beautiful; for daily pressure gave 
A lustre nothing else could do. Here flock 
Now followed flock, and years made rough-hewn block 

Become as smooth as fairest marble nave. 

Thus daily, hourly rub of circumstance 

Shows texture of the man. It graves the face 

As constant friction did the rock. One glance 

At face, and men discern the dalliance 
Or resolute attempt to win the race. 



36 LIFE-COLORS 



SUCCESS 

As vessels move at rapid pace 

When with the wind, but creep by slow 
Degrees against its force, so race 

Of life is won by those who go 

As native taste and talent urge. 

This native force drives on without 
A stay; though obstacles may surge 

To block the way, they come to rout. 

Obedience to heavenly law 

Brings character to perfect bloom. 
It makes men feel the hidden flaw 

Will spoil the work upon the loom. 

They think true thoughts and never let 

False scorn have sway. If theirs to lead, 

The power is hid within to get 
Authority by worthy deed. 

If theirs be but the easier part, — 
To follow others' lead, — no less 

Their manhood worth. It needs rare art 
To serve, as all who try confess. 



POEMS OF LIFE 37 

So rich or poor and great or small, — 
All men may take their share of good. 

Success is theirs who heed the call 
To work and do whate'er they should. 



38 LIFE-COLORS 



HEWN-OUT CISTERNS 

As hewn-out cisterns hold the rain 

Which else the thirsty earth would drink, 

So man receives no thought in vain, 
If mind is trained to deeply think. 

The size of cistern large or small 
Is measure of the rain received. 

So men must hew thought-channels all 
Most deep to hold the faith believed. 

For God pours out his blessings day 
By day, and man receives the share 

He can appropriate. The way 
Is well supplied with daily fare. 

At close of day the twilight hush 
Provides the soul a breathing space, 

An isthmus calm between the rush 
Of day and eve's more fevered pace. 

If skies at times be overcast, 

The showers of blessings fall and fill 

The heart prepared to hold them fast; 
For this is matter of the will. 



POEMS OF LIFE 89 

Then man must work and delve and bring 
His powers in play. Must dig him wells 

Of love, that birds of spring may sing 
Nearby, and he may hear joy-bells. 



40 LIFE-COLORS 



TWO TYPES 

Where river wound its sinuous way 

Between the higher lands, 
A bridge from shore to shore there lay, 

Which spanned the stream and sands. 

But sides all boarded in forbade 

The traveller to look 
Up-stream or down ; ill lot he had, 

Though safe in sheltered nook. 

Where broader, freer river flowed, 
A wind-swept bridge did cross 

The stream; and here from open road 
One saw the billows toss. 

So men shut out the broader view 

By walls of selfishness. 
They do not see the heaven's clear blue. 

But forward push and press. 

But some keep hearts alive to all 

The throbbing life around. 
Though other's woe does them appal, 

Still joy is surely found. 



POEMS OF LIFE 41 



THE CURRENT 

As home is lighted by a distant force 

Brought close to hand by well-strung wires, 

So weakest man may gain from heavenly source 
A strength that tells of hidden fires. 

But unconnected with the source of light, 
The house remains a darkened place. 

Though power unlimited is near, this might 
Avails naught by its own fair grace. 

So God's great storehouse filled with power and love 

Is man's to draw on if he will. 
But wires connecting man with God above 

Must laws of universe fulfill. 

Man needs the quiet intercourse with God 

To gain some measure of his love; 
And love poured forth is power which makes earth's 
sod 

Bloom forth like heavenly fields above. 



4*a LIFE-COLORS 



THE INNER CALM 

Where the waters are roughened by currents of air 
Which lash its surface, the trees that are there 
Reflected move to and fro, and share 
The water's burden of pain and care. 

But the trees, unbending, themselves stand still, 
High-arched against the clear, blue sky. 
Their strength resists the winds that fill 
The lake with waves which so restless lie. 

So the life of man when mirrored in days 
Reflects the changing lot below; 
A constant flux between two ways 
Of full heart joy and of grievous woe. 

But the heart of man oft knows a peace 
Which the storms of life can never reach. 
A trust in God can give release 
From weakening doubt, and can patience teach. 



POEMS OF LIFE 43 



THE INCREASE 

A RiLLET Splashing o'er the stones 

Strives hard that all its life 
May onward flow, and gurgling tones 

Betoken joy in strife. 

As rill joins rill, the streamlet grows 

To ever greater size. 
At last, as river broad, it flows 

Before admiring eyes. 

So man who strives to live as truth 
Commands may seem a force 

To be ignored; for men forsooth 
Heed not th« single source. 

As time speeds on and man joins man. 
The hidden strength appears. 

Throngs follow him, who in the van 
Once wrought alone in tears. 

Thus, swollen to a stream, the crowd 

Of men uphold their cause. 
And now, with hearts so very proud. 

They hear the glad applause. 



44 LIFE-COLORS 



And he who stood alone at first 
Has seen the end he sought. 

But n'er, when cause was at its worst, 
Did he despair of aught. 



POEMS OF LIFE 45 



BE THYSELF 

Resolve to be thyself. — M. Arnold. 

Do the lilies with all their stately grace 
E'er envy the rose, — that favored flower? 

Does the pansy, with winsome velvet face, 
Surpass the vines which grow and tower 

High above? E'en the grass we tread draws 
charm 

From plants that oft grow and bloom unseen; 
And none feels shame or knows alarm, 

Because its lot is low and mean. 

But each man is content to copy man, 
In striving to make the round hole square. 

And in trying to follow another's plan. 
He lives a life of burdened care. 

Where one singer can fill the heart with bliss, 
A thousand more voices lack the art. 

Where the true scientist will never miss 
His goal, the hundred fail at start. 



46 LIFE-COLORS 



Where the one can deHght by native grace, 

Another will fail by studied art. 
Where the one has the power to win the race. 

Another will lose in crowded mart. 

But the humblest of men takes heart of grace; 

He needs not be ere brilliant or great. 
Nor needs he to win the doubtful race, 

Nor make a name for the rolls of state. 

But he ever must give in measure true 

His own individual life for men. 
And it may be but only the morning dew 

Which freshens earth and goes again. 

But the power he has, he must use straightway, 

Nor ape, nor copy another's deed. 
And then he will have the world's best pay. 

The satisfaction of inner need. 



POEMS OF LIFE 47 



QUATRAIN 

The men of strength force circumstance 
To yield the good it has in store. 

But weaker men must wait their chance, 
And then rush in at open door. 



NARRATIVE POEMS 



NARRATIVE POEIMS 61 



AVIS 

Sweet Avis was the daughter fair 
Of merchant prince. Her youthful days 

Were spent in study close, and rare 
The aids she had at hand. The rays 

Of setting sun beheld no care; 
For there she trod in pleasant ways. 

As years went by, she gave more time 
To pleasure's call, and oft, when day 

Began, glad mirth was at its prime. 
And as through morning hours she lay 

Abed, she dreamed of pleasing rhyme 
Which sang her charms in lover's way. 

But still untouched remained her heart, 
And now she turned to deeds of love. 

And gave her time, and did her part 
To help the poor. And far above 

All gifts, she walked through busy mart 
Inspired with love by Holy Dove. 

Thus years she spent in service true 
For fellowmen, and then she gave 



52 LIFE-COLORS 



Her love to one who did not sue 

As others had and did not rave, 
But made her life so fair in hue 

She felt his loss she must not brave. 

In summer's early days they took 
Their way to lake and mountainside. 

Mount Willard wore her fairest look, 
As after charming mountain ride 

They came upon her heights. No brook 
Was seen, but mountains in their pride. 

Far down below, the railroad wound 

Through Crawford Notch its sinuous way. 

And here, on mountainsides were found 
The forest trees. The sun there lay 

Upon their tops, while low trees round 

Stretched forth to reach the sun's warm ray 

The rustle of the leaves was sound 
Alone, until there came the scream 

Of eagle. There he flew around, 

Then poised in air and cut off beam 

Of Sun. At last his prey he found 
Perched low in distant, rocky seam. 

And here the slender harebells grew. 
And rang their merry, tender chimes. 



NARRATIVE POEMS 53 

As winds came up and gently blew, 

These bells gave forth their lovely rhymes. 

They felt their days were all too few; 
So they must swing and ring betimes. 

These marriage bells pealed forth good cheer 
To listening ears. Such joy and bliss 

They understood, attuned to hear 
Earth's melodies. Nor did they miss 

The undertone of doubt and fear; 

For love brings tears, as well as kiss. 



54 LIFE-COLORS 



THE GREAT STONE FACE 

From the side of Mount Cannon the Great Stone Face 
Looks down on the lake that lies below. 

Each summer it waits for a glimpse of the race 
Whose simple faith taught deadliest foe 

Could work no harm in its presence divine. 

Its godlike calm shines forth in each line. 

And now, it views still other scenes, 

And a different race of men. On the lake 

In the summer days it finds what life means 
Of joy and sport, as the echoes wake, 

With glad calls of men, whose blood flows fast, 

Aroused by the might of the wilderness vast. 

One day when the lake lay peaceful and still 

Save for wind-stirred ripples, two girls took a boat 

And rowed to the place where a mountain rill 
Came gurgling into the lake. Afloat 

On the glistening waters, they breathed the air 

Which the trees had filled with odors rare. 

Shut in by the hills, they failed to see 
The gathering clouds. The tempest broke 



NARRATIVE POEMS 65 

In sudden fury and felled a tree 

And lashed the lake with its blasts. It woke 
The armies of heaven, who rode in the gale 
And shot forth their fires and sent their hail. 

A struggle to reach the land, and then 
In the boathouse safe at last, they saw 

The angry storm rave on. But when 

They saw the Great Stone Face through a flaw 

In the clouds, they knew the storm had passed. 

Beneath that gaze no ill could last. 

Wind flurries and tempests of trouble come 
And drive us whither they will. But back 

Of the scene is the God of Life, no dumb 
Stone Face. And they, no courage lack 

In the midst of life's ills, who see His face, 

And trust His plans for all the race. 



56 LIFE-COLORS 



LITTLE ALL RIGHT MAN 

A STURDY little man of two 

Goes trampling gaily round. 
Since years are yet so very few, 

By rule he is not bound. 
He spends his hours from morn till night 
In play, and this he thinks All Right. 

He hugs the cat so very tight 

She tries to run away; 
But he holds on with all his might, 

No matter what you say. 
A scratch results, and at this sight 
He weeps, which cannot be All Right. 

He takes his sister's doll, and she 
Starts up, with sudden fear; 

And yet what harm could there well be, 
With her so very near? 

But though his joy is at its height. 

He hands doll back with sad, " All Right." 

He digs and delves with tiny stone, 
And makes a garden plot,. 



NARRATIVE POEMS 57 

Then, tired of staying there alone. 

He comes, an eager tot, 
And gives you flowers most gay and bright, 
And to your thanks he says, " All Right." 

When evening comes, he thinks it fun 

To go to bed with birds. 
He does not watch the setting sun, 

Nor utter many words. 
But eyes close up before the light 
Of sun quite fades, which is All Right. 



58 LIFE-COLORS 



THE GIFT OF WINGS 
(a legend retold) 

The Lord beheld the earth, and saw 

That it was good and fair. 
Since beauty was high heaven's law, 
He formed the bird with slender claw. 

And gave him plumage rare. 
His notes were made to rival song 

Of stars and running brooks. 
Such music hushes sense of wrong. 
And makes the white-robed angels long 

To dwell in earth's fair nooks. 

The birds hopped round in great content, 

And sang for joy in life. 
The Lord then brought them wings, and sent 
Them forth most sad and confident 

That troubles now were rife. 

This burden seemed too great to bear. 

But they must do as told. 
They hugged wings close, with greatest care, 
And soon they grew to be a pair 

Of pinions strong to hold 



NARRATIVE POEMS 59 

Them up, and bear them on to heights 

Before unknown. Each day 
They flew about, till sunset lights 
Began to fade. On fairest nights 

They flew in moon's bright ray. 

If we, like birds, press close our load, 

We too shall surely see 
Our powers increase. Our daily road 
Will lead from homely, poor abode 

To heights whence troubles flee. 



60 LIFE-COLORS 



A LEADER OF MEN 

A LEADER of men had wrought his work and gained 
Safe resting-place. His praise now ran from lip 

To lip; the song of glory never waned; 
For he had held the nation in his grip, 

And turned to paths of righteousness its youth. 

And made its hoary men for sin feel ruth. 

And though in the strength of manhood's prime, he felt 
His warrior days were o'er. Henceforth for him 

The quiet road which wound through sunny belt 
Of land; for naught that could his gladness dim 

Was now to be his share. From turmoil, strife 

And war he passed, and gained the peaceful life. 

Then came the word that humble men still sought. 
Nor found relief from pressing needs. As car 

Of state rolled on, and crushed them down, they fought 
For right to stand erect. Like eastern star, 

To him they turned, with hope of succor strong, 

And told their tale that he might right the wrong. 

He heard their plea to win the people's ear. 
Like rustling, myriad leaves of forest trees. 



NARRATIVE POEMS 61 

There came the voices clear : " Know thou no fear. 
Go tell this people; make them hear. Who sees, 
Needs act forthwith. Make haste, nor know delay; 
For thou wert born to show the better way." 

Like prophet touched with living coal, his lips 
Were opened. " Give men their rights ! " The message 
came 

From heart aflame, and words, like stinging whips, 
Roused ire. Nor gave he thought to lasting fame. 

But all his mind was bent on serving men, 

Though he " be broken " by the strength of ten. 



62 LIFE-COLORS 



" ANOTHER " 

The ocean wears its fairest blue, 

And smiles beneath the sun. 
Some grey, bare rocks are washed anew 

By waves that inward run. 

The beach clean washed of former prints 

Invites the children's feet. 
They cross sharp pointed, slippery flints 

And run in measure fleet. 

A tiny tot of summers two 

Begins to gather stones. 
She throws them far as she can do, 

And then, in urgent tones 

She calls her aunt with " You, now you ! ** 
The aunt throws one which hits 

A little wave that comes in view. 
" Oh my ! " child calls and flits 

Away to find some more to throw. 

"Another," Mary calls, 
And still, " Another ! " In they go, 

Like tiny, curving balls. 



NARRATIVE POEMS 63 

She keeps it up, with constant call 

For yet another one. 
Nor does the pleasure seem to pall 

Nor grow less thrilling fun. 

So we keep up our daily call 

For pleasures new and old. 
In quiet home and festive hall 

Our joys are manifold. 



64 LIFE-COLORS 



WAYFARERS 

Three travellers along life's way 
By chance did meet in lonely spot. 
One was a youth with passions hot, 

Who sought for pleasure day by day. 

He journeyed gayly on and bore 
No load of care to check his joy. 
He seemed a gay, light-hearted boy 

Who thought of sport and nothing more. 

The second, of maturer years. 
Did journey with a load of care. 
His face was set, as those who dare 

A task, and must not yield to fears. 

The third did totter 'neath his load. 
Although his years were scarcely more 
Than those of him who bravely bore 

His burden o'er the dusty road. 

The youth, with cheery word, did greet 
These travellers. They gave him word 
For word and turned and gladly heard 

Him boast of speed man could not beat. 



NARRATIVE POEMS 65 

He went his way in measure fleet, 
And they felt stronger. For his youth 
Had warmed their blood, and they forsooth 

Renewed their strength and went with feet 

More firm. The stronger helped the weak 
A bit upon the way; then went 
With swifter pace; lest time thus spent 

Should cause his waiting friends to seek 

Him out. The one thus left felt hope 
Within his heart; for brother man 
Had shown him love. He almost ran 

Because his blood flowed fast; for rope 

Of aid in time of need stretched out 
Had saved his life. Meanwhile the friend 
Who helped, his onward way did wend 

Till courage bowed to weakening doubt. 

He sought companionship with One 

Who knew the toiler's load, and sure 

Of sympathy and love most pure 
He rested 'neath the noonday sun. 

Then courage grew within his heart 

And joy in work thus planned and shared. 
He knew for others now he dared 

To spend his strength, nor live apart. 



66 LIFE-COLORS 



From weary struggle. Burdens borne 

Had brought him skill, which taught him how 
To help the other man, and vow 

He made to help the overworn. 

So he must strive to take the place 
That One had taught him how to fill. 
Still confident that, by God's will 

In work man found his highest grace. 



NARRATIVE POEMS 67 



BRAVE SPIRITS 

The Angel Gabriel gave command 
, To the hosts of the ministering spirits above 
That they go without stay over sea and land, 
And search out those v^^ho showed man love; 

That they find the men who lived most near 

To the heart of the Savior, and come back and tell 

Of the deeds these had wrought and every tear 
They shed that they might live right well. 

One angel went far, and saw brave deeds 

That in pain men had wrought, for their sad fellow 
man. 

Where the saints of old had told their beads, 
These modern men stood up and ran 

A race with evil. They worked, and wrought 

A measure of good where ill had been. 
The man of science toiled, and sought 

The means that o'er disease would win. 

And when his end was gained, he knew 
The joy of the victor when race was run. 



68 LIFE-COLORS 



And explorers went, in numbers not few, 
To add to knowledge whatever they won. 

And men wrought righteousness, and gave 
Aid and release to the bound of earth. 

And their deeds of kindness, like wave on wave. 
Formed a mighty ocean where was no dearth. 

Then one dull day the angel came 

To a gloomy house, in a quiet street. 
And there, through the livelong day, the same 

Harsh tones his weary ears did greet. 

A woman with sweetly saddened face 

Passed to and fro, and in that air 
Of discord felt not the saving grace 

Of the angel's presence and tender care. 

Not a moment of rest had she, nor a thought 
Of love from the aunt she tended with care. 

All day for outer grace she sought 
And inner strength her troubles to bear. 

But the air surcharged with useless plaints 
Bore down on her weary spirit sad. 

And she thought of the martyred heroes and saints, 
And felt their lot was not so bad. 



NARRATIVE POEMS 69 

And the angel saw she must have release 
From the wearisome course of her daily life. 

That night, as she slept, he made her cease 
To mourn, and gave freedom from homely strife. 

She wandered in fields where the daisies grew. 
And gathered the buttercups in her hands; 

And the winds drew near, and gently blew 
The feathery grasses on meadow lands; 

And the sun beat down, and warmed her soul, 
And left no room for the darkness of hate. 

Then she knew that she had a goodly dole 
In the beauties of life which none could abate. 

And the angel felt that this woman bore 

Her heavy lot with a spirit brave. 
Though daily strife her courage wore 

She kept her heart a holy nave. 



SONNETS 



SONNETS 73 



THE REWARD 

Great souls are lost in admiration strong 
Of God's creative work as seen in man. 
For though some men are found beneath the ban 

Of God's displeasure, yet far more do long 

To prove their sonship by their scorn of wrong 
And honest help to those who in the van 
Lead cause of righteousness. Since time began. 

Men's striking deeds have been retold in song. 

But brave, unselfish acts escape their meed 
Of praise ofttimes. The quiet giving up 
Of plans to do the service close at hand 
Receives no outward praise. Yet instant heed 
To duty's voice gives heart at ease to sup 
Life's joys and see the light o'er all the land. 



74 LIFE-COLORS 



REST 

The cattle lying prone on earth 'neath shade 
Of trees and calmly sleeping life away 
Give picture of repose. And man must lay 

His burdens down as lights do slowly fade 

And take his rest. When work demands up-grade 
He push, he needs the light of heaven's ray 
And vision dreamed in quiet hour. They say 

The mountain top of rest life's saints has made. 

And some there are who in life's strife and stir 
Are whirled along. They have no time for rest, 
Or quiet stroll in sunny glades. The sod 
Beneath their feet they do not feel, since whir 

Of warring thoughts bestirs their minds. But zest 
Of life to others brings sure rest in God. 



SONNETS 75 



THE RANKS OF MEN 

The ranks of men like blades of grass close stand; 

At distance each looks like the other man. 

But as some blades of grass show plain where ran 
The cart above, so men display the brand 

Of sin. Like dewdrop bright on grassy land 

The kindly deed shines forth. Since world began, 
The shining deeds of men well in the van 
Have glowed like quartz along a rocky strand. 

And he does truest service for his kind 

Who in the ranks works with a will, but keeps 

His heart untouched with greed of gold and filled 
With love for God and man. The truest mind 
Employs its thought for human needs and weeps 
With those who weep, yet sees the fields are tilled. 



76 LIFE-COLORS 



THE LEADER 
A. F. P. 

Her early youth was full of pressing care, 

Which trained her mind to know the needs of all. 
The friend of womankind, she heard their call 

For leadership and taught them how to dare 

The hardest task and yet to gently bear 
Their sisters on their hearts. No stony wall 
Shut in her heart; so she would oft extol 

Her friends with warmest words and praises rare. 

Like fresh'ning breeze on summer's day she came 
Two weary, jaded friends, and they drank in 

New cheer and courage. Strength she gave, through 
faith 
In each one's power to live for truth. No fame 
She sought, but strove to make her sisters vnn 
True good, and not go hunting pleasure's wraith. 



SONNETS 77 



BIRCH ROCK 

In level field a massive bowlder lay, 

Near split in twain by roots of birch. A seed 
In crevice of the rock had given heed 

To nature's laws, and made no pause nor stay, 

Until its roots had pushed their sinuous way 
To outer light, and reached the soil where need 
Of food was satisfied. A valorous deed 

These roots performed by simple growth each day. 

Some men exert a quiet, steady force 
For righteousness. Their power increases, till 
They seem to gain momentum through the strife, 
And crush the evil down. Their onward course 
Becomes resistless; for they daily will 
The right, which has immortal strength and life. 



78 LIFE-COLORS 



AFTER STORM 

When dark and low'ring clouds shut out the light 
Of sun, the storm in fury breaks. At last, 
Through rents in the black clouds so huge and vast, 

The sun begins to shine. As sky grows bright, 

The vari-colored rainbow claims its right 

To beautify the heavens. Like trumpet blast, 
Its colors cheer the heart, and make it cast 

Its burdens down, and rouse the blood to fight. 

In life fierce storms of sorrow come and break 
Above man's head. The darkness deepens; still 
At last some rays of hope appear. Man's span 
Of life, illumined with the joys which make 
Its color, has grown rich in shades which fill 

The background, and show forth life's wondrous plan. 



SONNETS 79 



VOICES 

The warblers sing unnoticed by the throng 
Of men who pass beneath the trees where they 
Hold revelry. But faintest notes will stay 

The man with ears alert to hear their song. 

The music of the woods does not belong 

To men whose ears are dulled; they hear not lay 
Of springtime minstrel passing by their way. 

But notes catch ears of those whose love is strong. 

Thus conscience sends its messages in vain 
To men intent on gath'ring in more store. 

But those who train themselves to hear its voice 
May catch its mandates. They nor fret, nor strain, 
But keep the heart with opening swinging door: 
And oft for sin they mourn, for love rejoice. 



80 LIFE-COLORS 



THE MAGIC ROBE 

The snow with purest mantle covers o'er 

All spots alike, the ugly and the fair. 

Beneath its glittering robe the fields all wear 
A smiling face, and men can see no more 
The rock-ribbed hills and fields, which often wore 

A stern and dismal look they do not dare 

Display, when fairest mantle, spread with care, 
Conceals the lack of beauty at their core. 

So love weaves magic robes, which make all men 
Appear beloved and fair. It shuts its eyes 
To the unbeautiful, and quickly throws 
Its mystic robe around the loved one. Then, 
Thus armored he can well all ill despise 
For love can shield him from the worst of woes. 



NATURE 



NATURE 83 



THE EVERGREENS 

At God's command the earth brought forth the trees. 

Each bearing seed to reproduce its kind. 

In divers climes they grew, and sought to find 
The cHmate suited to their love of ease. 

The evergreens He sent to northern lands, 

Where frost and cold drive out all timid souls. 
And here, as season after season rolls, 

They patiently obey the Lord's commands. 

When sparkling lights on drifted snow make blind 
The dazzled eyes, the evergreens present 
Their darksome shades, and are most confident 

That they can bring relief to weary mind. 

Through summer's heat and winter's dreary waste 

They toil unweariedly; the inner grace 

Breathes forth in fragrance rare. They feel God's face 
Is bent above; so they need make no haste. 



84 LIFE-COLORS 



THE WILLOW 

Of old the willow stood erect and straight. 

And lived content with self. 
She thought not of her need of loving mate, 

But joyed in friendly elf. 

The brook that glided by her feet then sought 

To reach her mind and heart. 
It murmured loving its tale, which wrought 

Its work with charming art. 

" I lave your feet for the love I bear to you," 

Quoth the brook in tender tone. 
She caught the whispered words, and felt sore rue 

For him that made this moan. 

She bent her head; her mirrored face looked back 

From out the smiling brook. 
" Sec ; you are mirrored here ; and there's no lack," 

Quoth he, with loving look. 

More frequent and still more frequent grew her need 

Of bending o'er the brook. 
At last naught else her hungry heart could feed 

Except the glance she took. 



NATURE 85 



So by and by she lost her power to stand 

Erect and primly straight. 
Her loss was gain, she knew; and stretched her hand 

Unto her waiting mate. 



86 LIFE-COLORS 



THE ELM 

In a land where the rigor of winter holds sway 
Through long stretches of days, there the grace 

And the beauty of tropical life with its gay, 
Brilliant bloom stir the soul of the race. 

But the eye of the seeing finds beauty and charm 

In the arch of the tall, native elm. 
Like a monarch it stands, never showing alarm 

Lest the storm should its glory o'erwhelm. 

When, riven of leaves, it still towers aloft. 

Its beauty is clearly revealed. 
'Tis the type of the new world's manhood oft 

Sore-tossed, but whose worth is well sealed. 



NATURE 87 



THE WIND'S FROLIC 

July had done her best to prove most clear 
That this day of strong east winds which brought the air 

From sea, ten miles away should not appear 
In summer's calendar. Bold wind to dare 
Escape from April's lair ! 

July was at a loss how she should greet 

This reckless guest, but bade her blossoms bend 

Before the blast, and thus attempt to cheat 
Their merry friend of half the fun; so fend 
Off harm, yet guest attend. ' 

The flowers heeded well her words, and took 
Good care of their dainty, summer clothes. But some, — 

Like the flaring poppies, — lost their clothes and must look 
In vain for others to take their place. How their dumb 
Despair left them all numb! 

The sturdy bachelor's buttons waved in air 
And one bent low beneath the fairy weight 

Of goldfinch feeding on its seeds. No care 

Showed he for his wife on rose bush nigh whose fate 
Was that of slighted mate. 



88 LIFE-COLORS 



The mad cap wind harassed him as he bent 

To bite his seed — he bit his tongue instead, — ' 

And, swaying helpless on his stalk, he sent 
Loud protests to his mate ; " Tis hard," he said, 
" To go unfed to bed." 



NATURE 89 



JULY'S GLORY 

Ruth wandered forth with mind intent 
On finding beauties not yet seen. 

The salt sea-air new vigor lent; 
The sun shone clear on growing bean 

Which forward bent. 

There, skimming o'er the marsh's face, 
The swallows swept along; then soared 

Aloft with flutt'ring wing in race 
With air, which could full well afford 

Their headlong pace. 

And when came need to take a rest, 
They glided on, with quiet wing, 

And twittered merrily. A test 

Of strength like this brought wish to sing. 

No need of rest. 

The meadow-larks walked gravely round 
And found scant joy in daily search 

For food. Their whistled song from mound 
Of grass or lowest branch of birch 

Made mournful sound. 



90 LIFE-COLORS 



And here the bobolinks had built 
Their nests amid the rip'ning grass 

And rode on meadowsweet a-tilt; 
While some in level flight did pass, 

With wings begilt. 

The undulating grass waved to 

And fro, stirred by its load of fear. 

Full soon came sound of scythe, and new. 
Strange sights appeared in view, for here 

Fell meadow-rue. 

Across the way, all growing wild. 

The roses massed themselves; nearby 

The orange scarlet lilies piled 

Their blossoms, which could thus defy 

The roses mild. 

Like crescent moon, the white sea-beach 
Spread out between two piles of rock, 

And looked across at isles where each 

Showed clear. The waves made merry mock 

Of shore's vain reach. 



NATURE 91 



GOOD CHEER 

December's early snow around was flung, 

Still rhododendron leaves showed green. 

The grape-vines had a reddish sheen; 
Hydrangea blossoms to the bush still clung 

And rustled forth their tales, 

When swept by winter gales. 

To lilac tree the chickadee now flew 

And hopped about and hummed an air, 

Content, because the day was fair. 
But as the wind about him strongly blew. 

His plumage roughened so. 

He looked in deepest woe. 

Soon came the words, " Sweet-sweet," and then 
pause. 

And twice there came these words most clear. 

For what knew he of doubt or fear? 
And when I looked about to find the cause, 

No mate appeared in sight, 

Nor came near him to light. 



92 LIFE-COLORS 



" The uses of adversity are sweet," 
And winter gales give chance to show 
His strength to bear and skill to know 

The haunts where wants are satisfied. His meat 
He finds in plenty round 
Where eggs of moths abound. 

And has he used the words so oft at home 
To her his mate when life was glad, 
That now, when weary oft and sad, 

He cheers himself beneath the sky's cold dome 
With thought of love, sweet love, 
All other things above? 

Or has he inner grace to know the joy 

In life itself? And does he feel 

His pulses leap and make appeal 
For contest keen with winds that do annoy, 

That thus the joy of strife 

May give a zest to life? 



NATURE 93 



ARBUTUS 

Arbutus sweet, 
You come the first spring days to greet. 
With joy we hail the welcome sight 
Of your shy face, which looks so bright 
And fair against the darksome leaves. 
Your sweetness n'er the heart deceives. 

Arbutus fair. 
We prixe the dainty robe you wear. 
Like flush upon the fairest cheek. 
Your color charms, and so we seek 
The flower with deepest hue. Fair dame, 
Your beauty brings you world-wide fame. 

Arbutus bold. 
We long to know what hidden hold 
You have on strength and love, that you 
Can blossom forth in fairest hue 
While violets are still abed, 
And roses seem as if all dead. 

Arbutus rare. 
We go to hunt your bloom so fair. 



94 LIFE-COLORS 



We take our way o'er sandy plains, 
Through groves of pines, where shady lanes 
Invite our feet. We seek and find; 
And then together blossoms bind. 



NATURE 95 



SONG OF THE FERNS 

By flowing stream we dwell content, 

And know a peaceful joy. 
We lift our fronds, since confident 

That none will here annoy. 

In clumps and groups we form a mass 

Of living, waving sheen; 
And wintergreen and blades of grass 

Make forest floor all green. 

We love the gentle winds that blow 
Across the peaceful stream; 

We watch its steady, onward flow 
Beneath the sun's bright beam. 

The pewee's constant note we hear 
Through hottest summer days; 

He drives from burdened minds all fear 
With peaceful, tender lays. 

We live and breathe the fragrant air, 
Nor work, nor toil, nor spin. 

We grow exceeding green and fair. 
Since free from Aortal sin. 



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